It was 2 am. I was reading my novel as usual. And at every emotional moment in the book I'd stare out of my window, imagining it. All the houses had their light shut. And as I was about to look back into my book the light in my exacxtly opposite window got switched on. It was Ruby aunty's house. She was a very sweet lady. One of the most kindest persons you'd ever find. I had a special corner for her since I was small. Her husband was a known drunkard. I had heard stories of him hitting Ruby aunty brutaly. I wondered why would anyone else be awake at 2 am except an insomnia patient like me? I kept staring at the window.
Nothing happened.
I flipped the page of my book. Looked back at the window. Dilip uncle had pointed a gun towards.aunt Ruby. My jaws had dropped down. I didn't know what to do.Just as Dilip uncle was gonna see towards me, I crouched down. I was frightened. I heard a gunshot.
I froze for a moment. There was silence. I went back to my position. But then the curtains were closed.
Strange thoughts ran through my mind. I was clueless. The next thing I remember, I was on my stairs. I went down. Entered the neighbouring building. The watchman was asleep. I woke him up "Aye Helloo. Uth jaao" I said. "Jee saabjee."Kuch awaaj.suni? " I asked. He didn't have any expression on his face. "Sote raho tumlog. Chalo ab aao mere saath. " I said.
I took him with me to ruby aunty's house. I rung the bell. My heartbeat had started sounding louder than before.
I heard the door opened. And it was Ruby aunty. Phew! What a relief. "Oh rahul" she said." Is there anything son? " she asked."Is everything alright aunty?
Is Dilip uncle.."
She interrupted,"He's not home yet. Must be drunk, lying somewhere on the road. Anyways, good you came. I had to give you something" She went inside. Came out in a litlle while. The watchman was yawning. She handed a bottle of sleeping pills. "Take this. It helped me a lot. Take it for a few days. The system will then be normal after a few days" she said."okay aunty. I'll try it. Thank you. Good night and sorry to disturb you." I said. "Oh it's all right son. Good bye." she waved.
I went down with the watchman. Warned him not to sleep. I came back home.
I was fed up of my insomniaa. I just wanted to get rid of it. I didn't think of any doctors prescription. I just took the tablets and swallowed them. I began to feel dizzy. And I slept. Yes. Yes I slept.
Next.morning my sister woke me up." Get uppp. Ruby aunty was murdered yesterday." she said. "Whaaat?" I exclaimed getting up. "Yes, Dilip uncle did it. He's been sent to the custody." She said. "But the watchman.." I asked. She interrupted, " how do you know about the watchman? He was murdered too." I was speechless.She continued, "And out of all this bad news the good news is that you finally slept. How did you sleep?" I just looked at the sleeping pills bottle which was lying next to me. And kept looking at it.
